Category Archives: Politics

Zero vision in suburban Toronto

Posted on November 25, 2019 by

Though the city of Toronto has made some progress towards safer streets recently, the lack of police enforcement of traffic laws, the reluctance to spend serious money on road redesign, and the attitudes of some city officials continue to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Politics, Roads, Toronto, Walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How TIFF lost the plot

Posted on September 13, 2019 by

504 King Streetcar diverting onto Spadina on Thursday, September 5 For the sixth year in a row, King Street between University and Spadina Avenues was closed for four straight days. This closure was for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) … Continue reading →

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The province’s attack on conservation authorities

Posted on August 21, 2019 by

The Ford government’s attack on Conservation Authorities has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility. It’s about ideology and payback.  Continue reading →

Posted in Ontario, Parks, Politics | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A “fantastic bonanza:” another transit plan up in smoke?

Posted on March 28, 2019 by

“Bonanza’s” opening credits, where a burning map gives way to the show’s cast, is a great metaphor for Toronto’s transit planning. Continue reading →

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Why Brampton’s property taxes are high — and what it can do about it

Posted on February 19, 2019 by

To effectively reduce its residential property tax rate, Brampton must diversify its tax base It’s budget time for most municipalities in Ontario. Unlike cities elsewhere in the world — where municipalities can levy income, sales, and payroll taxes — places … Continue reading →

Posted in Brampton, Politics | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Voter turnouts in the 2018 Toronto municipal election

Posted on January 13, 2019 by

2014 was a watershed year for municipal voter turnout in Toronto. After a disastrous four years of Rob Ford as mayor, 54.7 percent of all eligible voters went to the polls, electing John Tory. That was the highest voter turnout … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Maps, Politics, Toronto | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mapping the Downtown city council races

Posted on December 29, 2018 by

At the end of 2014, despite some disappointing results in that year’s municipal election, I was feeling optimistic about 2018. In 2014, there were a number of great candidates running for city council, and I expected many would try again … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Maps, Politics, Toronto | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments